Council News
Camp Fire USA Celebrates Centennial
March 15, 2010
On March 17th, the Camp Fire USA River Bend Council will join with other councils throughout the United States to mark its Centennial. "From our beginnings in 1910, Camp Fire USA has held true to its mission of building caring, confident youth and future leaders," notes Marty McKiernan, Executive Director for the local nonprofit organization. "Camp Fire has deep roots in Michiana, having been launched in 1920 by Knute Rockne and Colonel and Mrs. C. Seymour Bullock, under the name of the South Bend Camp Fire Girls Council. Back then, this was a girls-only club -- but not anymore," he explains. "In 1975, boys were encouraged to participate nationally -- but that is still not widely known. On a national basis, 46 percent of Camp Fire participants are boys, with equal participation at our overnight Camp Tannadoonah on Birch Lake near Vandalia, Michigan."
Several celebrations are planned for 2010, in addition to regular annual youth-focused activities, according to McKiernan. "On the evening of July 31st, at Camp Tannadoonah, we will join in a National Centennial Campfire event, by lighting our campfire precisely at 7:30 p.m., along with nearly 50 other councils nationwide." Other Michiana events on tap include Absolutely Incredible Kid Day® set for 11 a.m. Saturday March 27th at Horizon Elementary School, Granger, and an upcoming Fun Run / Fun Fair at Emmons School planned for April 25th.
Marty McKiernan hired as Executive Director
January 31, 2010
The Board and all staff members welcome Marty McKiernan as our new Executive Director in charge of all council operations. Marty has been deeply immersed in River Bend Camp Fire activities for more than three years, as an active board member. He has taken leadership roles in fundraising and other fiscal matters crucial to our success.
In addition, he is an active supporter of youth soccer programs in Niles, Michigan and Lafayette, Indiana. Above all, Marty brings management experience to the job, having formerly served as a Senior Finance Manager for Amgen, Inc., the biotechnology giant headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California. Marty joined Amgen in 1987, as a Research Laboratory Associate, after earning a BS Degree in Biology from Purdue University, and serving as a Purdue laboratory research technician. While at Amgen, Marty earned his MBA degree from UCLA, and then advanced up the rapidly growing organization into production management responsibilities.